Top 4 Fly Fishing Accessories Under $25

Here's a list of my Top 4 fly fishing accessories under $25 that are made in the USA.

Rising - Work 6" Pliers: Made in Utah, these have been my go to pair of pliers for the past 2 years now.  It's one of those tools that has multiple uses that come in handy on the water.  Not only do they help you remove  your hooks from a fish, but they can cut your line, smash the barbs on your hooks, and be used to tighten those knots on your hook (Keep the pliers closed, put the hook through the circle opening and this allows you to pull on the hook end without the risk of driving that hook in to your finger).  Rising  tools and nets are all made Utah.

>>LINK TO PURCHASE<<

Vedavoo - Wader Wallet:  Made in Massachusetts, these wader wallets are one my absolute favorite pieces of gear this year, not only because I helped design it, but because, they're simply awesome.  I typically have a backpack full of camera gear and to me, it's sort of a pain to change out flies because I hate a rigid rectangular boxes in the pouch of my waders.  Now I can simply clip my wader straps through the back of this fly wallet, and wear it.  It has a thin profile and plenty of space for a days worth of streamers on the water.

>>LINK TO PURCHASE<<

O'Pros - 3rd Hand Rod Holder:  Made in Wisconsin, the O'Pros knocked it out of the park with their updated 3rd Hand Rod Holder!  It now has the capability to rotate to whatever angle you want your rod to be at when changing out flies.

>>LINK TO PURCHASE<<

Cliff Outdoors - Days Worth Fly Box:  Made in Wyoming, these are the perfect fly box for your sling or hip pack when fishing for trout or small fish.  It's the perfect fly box for a bunch of mop flies and nymphs...all I need when trout fishing.

>>LINK TO PURCHASE<<

November Podcasts

Brown Trout and Bridge Beers

Episode #12 of the Brown Trout and Bridge Beers podcast featuring guest John Piacquadio who is a fly fishing guide, and fly fishing artist out in Montana.

- 3BT Instagram -

- John Piacquadio Website -

>>>LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE<<<

Remote No Pressure

On the latest Remote No Pressure podcast Jeff talks with Dan and Ally Earnest of Whiskey Leatherworks about fly fishing and their journey as business owners.

- Remote No Pressure Website -

- Whiskey Leatherworks Website -

>>>LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE<<<

Anchored with April Vokey

On episode 148 of Anchored, April sits down and talks with Land Tawney of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, to learn about him and the Montana based organization.

- April Vokey Website -

- Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Website -

>>>LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE<<<

Fly Tying Season

Snow is now on the ground, and based on the future forecast, it's not going anywhere.  Enter fly tying season...and half assed ice fishing season. I'll most likely spend more time tying flies than sitting on the ice.  I'm really good at catching trees during the warmer months, so, I need to get those boxes filled back up.

Vedavoo Fly Tying Wallet keeping all of my tools organized. 

My Bench Basin is always near my vise ready for scraps and whatever else I toss in it.

My fly tying gear you see in the 2 photos above.

1. Vedavoo Bench Basin - Perfect if you go to open fly tying events, trips, friends houses, or other parts of your home.  Also works great for an on the go dog bowl.
2. Vedavoo Fly Tying Wallet - Great for keeping all of your tools organized at home or on the go.
3. Vedavoo Pinch Pouch - Another great piece of gear for organization.  Perfect for keeping all kinds of small things together while you're on the go.
4. Rite Bobbin Half Hitch - My favorite bobbin to use for all of my trout, bass, and similar sized flies....I even use this for my pike and smaller musky flies.
5. Rising Stellar Scissors - Hands down my favorite pair of scissors out there.  I've been using them for years, and have several pairs of them.

I probably sound like a broken record, but I'm definitely not giving up on this blogging thing.  I really need to contact the Google and figure out why I cannot "reply" to comments in the comment section.  It's not recognizing my Google account name/log in information.  Maybe it's because I've been neglecting the blog.  More to come.

Smallmouth Bass Float

Got out in my Flycraft to do a solo smallmouth float down a river in Wisconsin.  It was a beautiful day, and it was the first time in a long time I was able to get out on the water to just do some fishing, and it was awesome!

The CARF Flycraft ready to float.

Morning coffee on the river, taking in the sights and sounds.

The smallies seem to eat literally everything I tossed their way...clousers, other various streamers, and I even brought my spinning rod and tossed some paddle tail plastic baits.  All of my offerings were crushed!

One of the many smallmouth I hooked up with.

Of course I lost track of time out there, and was late getting back for dinner.  I think we've all done that once or twice...or 100 times.

Links to gear used/seen in post

Raft

Net

Bug Stopper Hoodie

Awesome Coffee Holder

Amazing Coffee Lid

Glass Is Not Dead

#glassisnotdead - The Fiberglass Manifesto

Picked up a new/used Cabelas CGR fiberglass rod (5'9" - 3 wt) at a recent gear swap at Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop.  It had a broken tip, but that was an easy fix.  My homie Drew was building himself a new rod, and he was putting together an order, so, I had him add a new tip top guide to shopping list.  The new tip top fit like a glove, and my new glass rod had a new life.

Perfect for the #icatchsmallfishtour

Since I already own a 3 wt rod set up I got years ago, I didn't need to purchase a new line or reel for the glass rod.  I'll just use the reel for both rods, and that is A-okay with me.  It actually fits the rod perfectly, and I was able to take it out right away to test it out on a local lake before all of the heavy weeds grew in.

So many bluegill were caught.

Bunch of crappie this size.

Rod bends in to the evening.

It was a fun time out there with this rod, and I'm looking forward to using it more and more this summer.  It's crazy how much bend there is!  It's the perfect rod for the #icatchsmallfishtour

Vedavoo: Reel Service Project VI

VEDAVOO started the REEL SERVICE PROJECT as a means to raise funds for worthy causes and in this case, Captains for Clean Water.  VEDAVOO messenger bags featuring the original artwork of marquis artists Paul Puckett and Jorge Martinez were built as prizes for those who support these efforts.  100% of the proceeds from will directly benefit the featured charity.  All construction, materials, artwork and administrative expenses have been donated.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VEDAVOO | Better American Gear (@vedavoogear) on May 21, 2019 at 2:09pm PDT

CAPTAINS FOR CLEAN WATER

Artwork by Jorge Martinez

Artwork by Paul Puckett

The Vedavoo Reel Service Project VI ends on June 1st

ENTER HERE

Ibo Island - Mozambique

Back in September of 2018, I left the country.  I traveled to the country of Mozambique (That's in Africa for those that are unaware).  I spent time wandering around the capital Maputo, and then traveled all the way to the Northern part of the country to Ibo Island, which is located in the Cabo Delgado Province, and is an island part of the Quirimbas in the Indian Ocean.

A celebration on the island during our visit.

Ibo is an amazingly beautiful place filled with amazing people, and I was saddened to hear that a Cyclone hit the region and caused major damage.  Cyclone Kenneth had the force of a category 4 hurricane.  Upon hearing the news, I contacted our host at the lodge we stayed at during our visit with hopes that everyone was safe, but did not hear back for over a week.  Electricity on the island was knocked out, and so many homes were totally destroyed.

Below you'll find a link to a news article talking about and showing the damage that has occurred in the region.  I have also included a link to Oikos, and a direct link to donate to support Mozambique.

Daily Standard News Article

Istituto Oikos Onlus Link

Casa Das Garcas Lodge Instagram

Donate - Help Mozambique

Casa Das Garcas - Sign outside of the lodge.

A young kid watching the morning tide roll out.

Taking in the Indian Ocean from the Casa Das Garcas pier.

Anchored on a sand flat in the Indian Ocean.

One of the many beautiful sunsets witnessed.

LEM Boulevard Bike Helmet

This Summer I plan on riding my bike a lot more.  With the more bike riding, I got a new bike helmet from LEM Helmets.  One of my plans for this Summer is ride around the Twin Cities, spot fish a bunch of places, and stop at some breweries.  My homie Grant of the Brown Trout and Bridge Beers Podcast is an avid rider of bikes, and he's down.  Should be a lot of fun!

Fun colors on the box

Lots of air holes to keep my head cool

Safety and style

Slapped a CARF Creative sticker on the new helmet, because, that's what I do.  I have stickers, and they need to be stuck.  Here's a short video of me working on my magic skills.  Let me know what you think! 

View this post on Instagram

Worked on my magic skills to make a new @lemhelmets bike helmet appear on my table. Going to be riding a whole bunch this summer. Anyone else down to join @meyer.grant.d and I for a bike, fish, and brew tour around the Twin Cities one of these days? 🚲 🎣 🍺 • • • #LEMhelmets #lem #helmet #safety #cycling #mountainbiking #commuterlife #fishing #beer #brewery #magic #magicthegathering #abracadabra #minnesota #midwest #beer

A post shared by Justin C A R F A G N I N I (@justincarf) on May 6, 2019 at 7:28am PDT

FIND YOUR SIGHT LINE

There's no doubt that I love showing my love for fly fishing and fishing in general.  I have so many stickers that showcase this stuck to my car, coolers, water bottles, fly boxes, etc.  I have plenty of shirts that also showcase the sport.  I now have a bracelet from Sight Line Provisions that showcases my absolute favorite fish - The Bass (Small and Largemouth).  I love fishing for pike, and musky...but  fishing for bass is where this passion really began.

Before fly fishing, my favorite method to fish was with my casting rod and a hollow rubber frog.  Nothing got me more stoked than tossing one of those frogs in the thick of the Lilly pads or weeds, anticipating the explosion of a bass bursting through the surface to destroy that frog.  Then came along a fly rod and a size 4 sneaky Pete fly in yellow.  Tossing that little fly along the edge of the weeds, Lilly pads, or over the top of some submerged vegetation to see that little fly get annihilated by some bass.  Endless fun.

Now I can really showcase my love for those fish...in style!  At first, I wasn't so sure about the purchase, because, I didn't really know how I was going to like wearing a bracelet.  I've been super happy with the purchase, and it has been the start of quite a few conversations about fishing.  I think I see a musky or pike bracelet being added to my Christmas list for Santa.

SIGHT LINE PROVISIONS

PIKE FOR LUNCH

The snow and ice have melted, and I've awoken from a bit of blogging hibernation.  There is so much to catch up on around here, and especially out there with all of my fellow bloggers.  Yesterday (May 15th) during lunch I opted to not eat - what a lie! I never eat during my lunch time.  There's more important things to do with my time like fish, edit photos/video, or nap.  (I just eat while I'm working.  I mean who doesn't!?!)

So, during lunch yesterday, I stopped by a spot really close to work.  I didn't have any fly rods set up and I wanted to maximize my time fishing, so, I grabbed my casting rod and tossed a swim jig with a paddle tail trailer.  I was sure to have a steel leader on, because, I know there are gators present.

Stirred up quite a few of these during lunch, it must have been the new gator hat from 720 Fly.  I even managed to cast my rod and reel into the water!  Hilarious!  It wasn't hard to retrieve out of the water, so, that's a plus.  It is full of dirt and sand, so, I'll definitely have to clean it up.  I have it on video, so, be on the look out for that sometime in the very near future.

After work, I decided to head over to the same spot with my fly rod.  I hooked several trees and thought I was going to break my fly line each time I was trying to rip my fly line out of them.  I managed to hook up with one gator, and I'm pretty sure it was one I had hooked earlier with the swim jig.  It's great to be fishing in short sleeve again.  Shorts were needed.  It was too damn hot out for my jeans.

Hat - 720 Fly

Net - Rising Fish

***Below are Amazon Affiliate Links***

Camera - https://amzn.to/2L48Idj

Camera Lens - https://amzn.to/2KvIJdR

Favorite Lens - https://amzn.to/2Ipr5aR

GoPro 5 Black - https://amzn.to/2Ipxk2r

GoPro 6 Black - https://amzn.to/2GmyINu

 Favorite Mini Tripod - https://amzn.to/2GotoJl

THE HUB PODCAST

Do you like fly fishing? ...Yes.

Do you like podcasts about fly fishing? ...Yes.

Do you like to continuously be let down? ...Yes/No/Maybe/I don't know.

Are you in the market for a new podcast? ...Yes.

This guy did not win $1,000...He just discovered The Hub Podcast by the Fish Porn Crew.

Then The Hub Podcast brought to you by the Fish Porn crew of Jeff and Josh for you!  As their number one listener, I can honestly say, that these guys have no fucking idea what they're doing, but I absolutely love it, and so will you!  I'm kidding.  They only have a partial idea of what they're doing.  Love you dudes!

Episode 9 - Brought to you by the state of Missouri and NASCAR featuring yours truly.  I must forewarn you, drinking some hoppy goodness will enhance the show immensely.

Now I know what you're thinking, CARF you're famous now!  I know, and you're welcome.  That doesn't make sense, but I don't care, because, this is my blog and I can write what I want.  I'm kind of a big deal now.  Excelsior!

THE HUB PODCAST

by the Fish Porn Crew

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE

Call the Fish Porn Hotline and leave them a tasty voicemail.

(970) 834-FISH

HIGH FALLS WINTER HIKING

High Falls.  A 120 foot drop makes this waterfall the highest fall in the state of Minnesota.  Another unique thing about these falls is that it's located in the Grand Portage State Park on the Pigeon River that separates the US and Canada.

Where's the low falls?

The trail that leads you to the falls is very well marked.  I've been to this place in the summer, and there were definitely a lot more people around hiking the man made trail paths and taking in the views.  For this time of year, I was really surprised to see that the trails were somewhat maintained.  There's some ice on the stairs closer to the falls, but at least there isn't 2 feet of snow covering the trail.

With the there being ice on the trail, it's a good thing I had my Diamond Grip Yaktrax to help me stand up to winter.

#STANDUPTOWINTER

Walking in a winter wonderland.

The Native Americans developed "The Grand Portage" ...meaning "the great carrying place."

High Falls

Upon arriving to the falls, it was clear that it's been frozen for some time now.  It was very cool to see it completely frozen over, and see water still escaping out of the bottom of the ice.  There was also an opening located in the middle of the falls acting as a window, and showing that water is still flowing behind the ice.

That's a lot of ice.

In the photograph below, if you look just left of the center, you can somewhat see the window through the ice.  Granted, it's a still photograph, but you get the idea.

Closer view.

If you ever find yourself up near the Grand Portage, High Falls is a place I'd definitely recommend to stop and see, regardless of what time of year it is.  It was really interesting to see how green and full of life it is during the summer, but equally as interesting to see in the dead of winter where everything is full of snow and ice.

Everybody Chill

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens #1 - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

Lens #2 - http://amzn.to/2CLhwQZ

Lens #3 - http://amzn.to/2EoB27q

Boots - http://amzn.to/2CIGHUc

Yaktrax - http://amzn.to/2DbWDPG

Yaktrax 2 - http://amzn.to/2Eu6CAu

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**